(I am in a rather lengthy line at the post office to buy a bunch of stamps for work; it is early afternoon. An elderly customer behind me is complaining loudly to no one in particular about the wait.)

Customer: “I can’t believe they’re making us wait like this. It’s the middle of the day; the line shouldn’t be like this! I have places to be!”

(I glance back at her, but don’t really pay much attention.)

Customer: “This is ridiculous! They could just open up more lines and get us all through here quickly, but they just make us all wait in line.”

(When I get to the front of the line, the customer makes a big show of loudly counting all of the closed cashier stands and complaining. I ask the clerk for my stamps, and he goes to the back to get them, as I need more than he has at his station.)

Customer: “Oh, now one of them is leaving? I can’t believe this!”

(The customer suddenly walks up to the counter to stand next to me. When the clerk comes back, she speaks up.)

Customer: “I need to buy these things, now.”

Me: “Excuse me? He’s still helping me.”

Customer: “Well, I just need to buy a few things.”

Me: “So do I. It’ll just be a moment.”

Customer: “You’re buying a ton of stamps! I just need these envelopes.”